More than 80 American Airlines and American Eagle employees became teachers for the day on Thursday at Barton Elementary School. They took a break from their regular jobs to give lessons in Junior Achievement programs to kindergarten students through fifth graders.

"Seeing the connections we've made is rewarding," said Mark Mitchell of American who's organized the Junior Achievement in a Day program at Barton for about nine years.

Students learn basic business skills and earn a JA certificate at the end of the day-long program. Mitchell, who's been with American for 27 years, also organizes an annual bowling fundraiser that benefits Junior Achievement Dallas and Fort Worth.

Assistant principal Faranak Delavari said the students always look forward to the program. "It's a great opportunity to learn what's in the outside world," she said.